Badlapur Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Badlapur, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Badlapur

Located in North Konkan, in Maharashtra, Western India, Badlapur is a tranquil city that has been able to retain its natural beauty despite modernisation. The city is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, natural beauty, and spiritual connections. The calm and peaceful environment makes Badlapur a popular destination for nature lovers as well as those seeking to escape the bustling city.

List of Places to Visit in Badlapur

Badlapur is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and there are many interesting places to visit.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Badlapur has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and there are many museums and historical places that visitors can explore.

Kondeshwar Temple

The Kondeshwar Temple, located in Badlapur, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, and visitors can spend time in peace and tranquility here.

Manjarli Temple

The Manjarli Temple is another popular temple in Badlapur, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on a hill, and visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the top.

Badlapur Fort

The Badlapur Fort is a historic fort that dates back to the 13th century. The fort is located on a hilltop, and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Badlapur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Badlapur is a city surrounded by hills and greenery, with several hiking and biking trails to explore.

Ulhas Valley

The Ulhas Valley is a scenic valley surrounded by hills, with the Ulhas River flowing through it. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride while taking in the natural beauty of the valley.

Barvi Dam

The Barvi Dam is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and boating. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Bhavani Lake

The Bhavani Lake is another scenic spot in Badlapur, surrounded by hills and greenery. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or a leisurely walk on the surrounding trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Badlapur

Badlapur is a city that offers several hiking and biking routes to explore.

Chanderi Caves

The Chanderi Caves are a popular hiking destination in Badlapur. The caves are located on a hill, and visitors have to hike a trail to reach them. The trail is steep in some places, but the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape make it worthwhile.

Matheran Hills

The Matheran Hills are another popular hiking destination near Badlapur. The hills are surrounded by lush greenery and several trails that visitors can explore.

Best Things to Do in Badlapur: Activities and Tours

Badlapur offers a range of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy.

Spiritual Tours

Badlapur has several spiritual destinations that visitors can explore, including temples and ashrams.

Adventure Activities

Badlapur offers several adventure activities, including trekking, rock climbing, and river rafting.

Week-Long Itinerary for Badlapur

For those planning to spend a week in Badlapur, here is a suggested itinerary.

Day 1: Visit the Kondeshwar Temple, enjoy a leisurely walk in the Ulhas Valley, and watch the sunset at Barvi Dam.

Day 2: Explore the Bhavani Lake, hike the Chanderi Caves, and watch the sunset from the top of the hill.

Day 3: Visit the Manjarli Temple, explore the Badlapur Fort, and enjoy a picnic at the nearby park.

Day 4: Take a spiritual tour, visiting some of the famous temples and ashrams in Badlapur.

Day 5: Try adventure activities like trekking or rock climbing or spend the day at a nearby water park.

Day 6: Explore the local culture and customs of Badlapur, visiting markets and interacting with locals.

Day 7: Relax and unwind, enjoying the natural beauty of Badlapur at one of the city’s parks.

Food and Drink Scene of Badlapur

Badlapur has a unique food and drink culture, influenced by the local Konkani and Maharashtrian communities.

Must-Try Dishes

Some must-try dishes in Badlapur include:

  • Vada Pav
  • Misal Pav
  • Sabudana Khichdi
  • Ukadiche Modak
  • Pav Bhaji
  • Batata Vada

Local Beverages

Some popular local beverages in Badlapur include:

  • Kokum Sharbat
  • Sol Kadhi
  • Thandai

Where to Stay in Badlapur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Badlapur offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hotel Golden Nest
  • Butterfly Guesthouse
  • Sunrise Resort

Mid-Range Options

  • Skywalk Resort
  • Mu Electric Villa
  • Hotel Sahyadri

Luxury Options

  • Radisson Blu Resort and Spa
  • River Winds Resort
  • Manas Resorts

What to Buy in Badlapur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Badlapur offers several souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home as a reminder of their trip.

Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri chappals are a type of traditional Indian footwear, handmade from leather. They are popular souvenirs in Badlapur.

Cashews

Badlapur is known for its cashews, which are available in different varieties and make for great gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Badlapur

Badlapur has a rich culture and customs, with a mix of different communities coexisting peacefully. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and dress conservatively while visiting temples and other religious places.

Best Time to Visit Badlapur

The best time to visit Badlapur is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Badlapur

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Badlapur:

Do:

  • Dress conservatively while visiting religious places.
  • Respect local customs.
  • Carry sufficient water and sunscreen while exploring the outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Take photographs without permission.
  • Swim in the rivers or lakes without a guide.

Safety and Health

Safety in Badlapur

Badlapur is a safe city for tourists, but visitors should take precautionary measures like keeping their belongings safe and avoiding walking alone at night in secluded areas.

Health in Badlapur

Badlapur has several hospitals and clinics, and visitors should carry their own medicines and first aid kit in case of emergencies.

Getting to Badlapur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Badlapur is easily accessible by several modes of transport, including:

Airports Near Badlapur

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
  • Lohegaon Airport, Pune

Bus Stations Near Badlapur

  • Badlapur Bus Depot
  • Kalyan Bus Depot

Other Options

  • Train Station: Badlapur Railway Station

How to Get Around in Badlapur

Badlapur is a small city, and it is easy to explore on foot. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Badlapur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Badlapur is situated in a region with several interesting destinations nearby, including:

  • Matheran: A popular hill station
  • Lonavala: A picturesque hill station
  • Kalyan: A historic city

Conclusion

Badlapur offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to Badlapur and experience all that this city has to offer.